Comma Use Flashcard

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should you use a comma before 'and' in a list?

Back

You should use a comma before 'and' in a list when it separates the last item from the rest of the items, known as the Oxford comma.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

Back

Commas help clarify meaning by indicating pauses, separating items, and organizing complex sentences.

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence, e.g., 'Tanya, can you help me?'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, often requiring a comma before the conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause, e.g., 'After dinner, we went for a walk.'

Front

What is an example of using commas in a list?

Back

In a list, commas separate items: 'I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.'

Front

How do you use commas with adjectives?

Back

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally describe a noun, e.g., 'It was a long, tiring day.'

Front

What is a non-essential clause?

Back

A non-essential clause provides extra information but can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning; it should be set off by commas.

Front

When should you not use a comma?

Back

Do not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object.